And we're just 2 days past a new moon
There was some concern a couple weeks ago when combat operations began near a full moon. Our forces have superior night vision equipment, so a full moon was considered as reducing our tactical advantage.
Now, just 2 weeks later, our forces are at the edge of Baghdad jus after a new moon. The lights are out, so it's probably pretty damned dark. Advantage: US. Coincidence or part of the plan? We'll know soon enough.